The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada
November 2016
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Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association in Alberta: Fellowship and Volunteerism APO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA members had a bountiful fellowship held at the Panciteria de Manila, Edmonton with the presence of Jun Cristobal, their visiting brother from Washington, DC. Followed by the APOAA Camping 2016 at Aspen Beach Lakeview Group Campground, Alberta. These activities have only proven that the Alpha Phi Omega is not only found here, but everywhere.
Food preparation for the homeless at Mustard Seed Calgary held last October 29, 2016.
The Fellowship
Volunteerism
from page 10
Fight the Fear: coffee alone in a café in a foreign country is probably the least of my worries when I’m more concerned about where I’m going to stay that night, if I have enough room in my backpack, what time is the next train, and how much will it all cost? So, sitting peacefully alone in a café with a nice cup of coffee will always sound nice to me. I have travelled solo the last three summers and these were some of the most memorable, challenging and life changing moments of my life thus far. In
2014, I travelled through Spain for three months, in 2015 I spent two months in Morocco, followed by another three months dispersed throughout, London, Barcelona, France, Israel, Jordan and the United States. And most recently, this past summer in 2016, I spent a month driving through Iceland and Norway. And yes, I journeyed to these places on my own. It is natural to fear what will happen when the worst will occur. What if you lose your luggage or miss a train and have to hitchhike for the first time? Or what will happen when you get lost in a dangerous part of town where no one understands a word you say? Or how do you know you will know what
Winning Piece that is brought to heaven
to do when you find yourself in the most unwanted of circumstances, like a car accident on the highway or being sick to your stomach from food poisoning. It’s terrifying and painful to endure these moments alone in a foreign land, but if someone like me can survive all of this, then I truly believe that anyone can. All of those challenges make travelling worth it all. Because when you choose to travel, you open yourself up to a world other than your own; to a world full of culture and traditions you’ve never experienced before. You’re exposed to languages and lifestyles that are so foreign and different, yet in a weird way they are
breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll meet people from across the globe and share stories, laughter and unique moments that will only ever exist in that fraction of time. You’ll get lost, but will grow and develop into a magnificent version of you, you never knew could ever exist. There is such strength and courage when it comes to travelling alone. The only person you rely on, on a day to day basis, is no other than yourself. It teaches you to trust your instincts and your innate abilities to survive. You’ll find yourself showing up for yourself in ways you didn’t know were possible. We’re all born natural explorers and lovers of life. We need to get out of
heads, stop thinking too much, and enjoy the beautiful world that was given to us. So let me end this by saying; take chances but be smart about it. Get lost and explore and learn new traditions, but don’t be vulnerable to your surroundings. Learn to follow your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it, but don’t be afraid to trust those around you. There is so much this world has to offer, whether it be grandiose, beautiful or ugly. But, in order to fully experience the world we live in, we must venture outside our comfort zone, even if that means doing things on our own and exploring at the beat of our own drum.
Jeremiah Steven Calderon Votary Grade 6 Edmonton, Alberta
You pass me everyday on eighty-second-street, Though you never take the time, to let our eyes meet. You never dig in your pocket, for some spare change, Nor give me any money to take away the pain. I know that you think that I’m not worth it, But if you were me, and I were you, Would you want money from my wallet? When it rains you have comfort in your house, While the best friend I have is a small street mouse. You have a family that’s so loving and caring, While my only pair of clothes are ripping and tearing. I have no friends out here and I don’t feel so good, When people walk away from me like I’m rude. I have no belongings, no friend and no job, In the alleys I’m in the dumpster hiding from a street mob.
This runner up-winning piece-essay was written by this family- loving and community service oriented lad last 2008. That, at his very young age, he was able to see the beauty and importance of a home. Yet, his concept of a home will just remain a living legacy to those who were able to read and treasure his prose. Alas, the real essence of home can no longer be actually experienced and enjoyed by Jeremiah, the 19 year old teenager, as he joined the Creator last October 21, 2016.
Message from his mom, Mrs. Carmelita Votary: "Pare ko, sa Univerity of Alberta s'ya nag-aral, kaya lang nag dropped siya middle of September. Nasa Faculty of Science siya kase he wanted to become an Anesthesiologist... Ang memorable moments ko before he passed away was... when he told me, "Mom I wanna go with you in the church, I wanna respect the Lord! Sweet, mabait, with a good heart not only to families but also to his friends... generous and always had a radiant smile... looking forward to his success in life." Jeremiah, you will always be remembered. Your winning piece will remain the cornerstone of our home. We love you anak!
This little old man may look dirty and wary, But deep down inside he is loving and caring. A home to me is a place to live, to love, to learn, And though we go through the tough times we earn, Our home is where we belong. A home is where your family is, a place to have fun, While all he does is run, run, run. He needs a home, that’s all he wants from us, But the best he has is by the bus. So please try and look from his point of view. I did my share, now you do yours too.
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